Raceway to Host 12th annual High Speed Blood Drive, Sept. 11

Community members and race fans alike can honor an historic day of remembrance by helping to save lives during the 12th annual High Speed Blood Drive at the raceway in Sonoma on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

The raceway will partner with the American Red Cross and the Blood Centers of the Pacific on this one-of-a-kind blood drive, which will be held from 1-6 p.m. at the raceway. Since 2001, the High-Speed Blood Drive has generated more than 1,000 pints of blood, and each pint can be used to save up to three lives.

In true high-speed fashion, the raceway will put its own “spin” on the traditional blood drive, as donors will get their hearts pumping with a high-speed “hot lap” around the 12-turn road course before giving blood. Donors will ride along with a professional instructor from the Simraceway Performance Driving Center in an official raceway vehicle.

"It was a lot of fun taking the lap around the track, the driver even did some drifting. But the main reason was for the cause to donate blood. Several of us at work like to do community service and we researched this and thought it was a great idea so we came out to support the cause," said donor Khary Peterson, from San Pablo.

To make an appointment to donate blood at the raceway and for information on donor eligibility, go to www.redcrossblood.org or www.bloodheroes.com (sponsor code “racesonoma”). All donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent) and bring a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Diana Brennan at dbrennan@racesonoma.com or 800-870-RACE (7223).

Featured Event

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 roars into Sonoma June 22-24, and it’s guaranteed to be a wild ride. It’s the biggest rush to hit wine country, and you won’t want to miss a second of the action on and off track. Be sure to get your tickets as NASCAR tackles its first road course of the season.